Upton: Robinson named as 'credentialed manager'

Friday

Mar 21, 2014 at 2:00 AM

By Mike GleasonDaily News Staff

UPTON - The International City/County Management Association has designated Upton Town Manager Blythe Robinson as a "credentialed manager," the organization announced this month.The Washington, D.C.-based organization said Robinson is one of 1,300 local government officials who has received such recognition.Robinson said the ICMA started the credentialed manager program about five to seven years ago."They decided it would be important, as a professional organization, to give more recognition to its members," she said.Robinson said the town manager position has gotten more specialized over the years, and the designation reflects that reality."So much is going on in government - in technology, human resources, police and fire - that you can't just go to college and pick up as a town manager," she said. "That's why those certified had to have a sufficient level of executive experience."According to Robinson, the credentialing process involved taking a test that gauged one's knowledge in a series of subjects, and then committing to taking time each year to train further."I took the test a couple of years ago, and I put together a work plan," she said.The designation also requires "significant" experience as an executive in government. It credited Robinson with seven years in total - three as assistant town manager in Avon and Tolland, Conn., and four years in Upton."I'm pleased," she said, of receiving the designation. "Only a small number made the effort to get it, I think it has meaning, and the selectmen feel it is important for Upton."According to a release, the ICMA's goal is to "create excellence in local governance by promoting professional management worldwide."Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.